SUICIDE ON A WARSHIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 38

SUICIDE ON A WARSHIP.

A POINT OF INTERNATIONAL LAW.

AUCKLAND, October 2,

The sailor who committed suicide on the Austrian warship Panther at Auckland by hanging himself on Saturday night was a petty officer, and was 19 years old. When the list of promotions was made known on Saturday his name- - was not included amongst them, and it is said that he became very depressed. This is thought to have been the cause of his rash aot. He was employed in the engine-room, and was named Henrioh Gerioh. Deceased will be buried ashore to-morrow, and will be honoured with an escort of 24 and a volley at the graveside.

The incaiest on the Austrian petty officer who hanged himself from the 'funnel of the Austrian warship Panther on Saturday was opened this morning. The Austrian Consul protested against the holding of an inquest as being a breach of international law, and Captain Boscowan, A.D.C., waited upon the coroner as the jury left the morgue, asking him to -postpone the inquest for a week. The coroner consented. Subsequently tho coroner reoeived a telegram from the Minister of Justice instructing him not to hold an inquest, as the Government did not desire -to strain the letter of international law too far. A telegram was also received from the Governor stating that instructions had been given to abandon the inquest.